Hyderabad's Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) transformed into a vibrant epicenter of creativity and problem-solving as it successfully hosted its third annual Innovation Day. The event drew a massive gathering of over 1,000 students, innovators, faculty members, and industry leaders, marking a significant commitment to fostering a culture of invention from the ground up.
A National Platform for Young Innovators Takes Flight
The highlight of the day was the grand launch of RISE 2026 (Reimagining Innovation in Science and Engineering @ IITs). This pioneering initiative is designed as a national-level platform to specifically promote and nurture innovation at the undergraduate level across the entire IIT ecosystem. Prof B S Murty, Director of IIT Hyderabad, set the tone, stating, "Innovation must be nurtured from the undergraduate years if India is to build solutions that matter."
The event was formally inaugurated by B V R Mohan Reddy, founder and chairman of Cyient. He linked India's economic aspirations directly to institutional support for innovation, noting that the ambition to become a USD 30-trillion economy requires centers of learning that actively cultivate talent, encourage hands-on experience, and crucially, translate ideas into market-ready solutions. He underscored the pivotal role IITs play in building strong fundamentals alongside an innovation-oriented mindset.
Showcasing Solutions: From Campus to National Stage
The campus buzzed with activity through innovation showcases, exhibitions, and live demonstrations, all driven by student projects. RISE 2026 itself demonstrated its national appeal by receiving over 100 applications from undergraduate teams spanning various IITs. From these, more than 30 teams were shortlisted, and over 20 had the opportunity to pitch their innovations live at the event.
Teams represented a diverse cross-section of IITs, including those in Hyderabad, Madras, Kanpur, Kharagpur, Guwahati, BHU (Varanasi), Mandi, Patna, Bhubaneswar, and Jammu. Their projects addressed a wide spectrum of challenges and opportunities in areas like:
- Advanced Technology
- Sustainability and Environment
- Healthcare Solutions
- Socially Relevant Applications
Recognition and Reward for Groundbreaking Ideas
To fuel this competitive spirit, the RISE 2026 meet featured a substantial total prize pool of Rs 15 lakh, generously supported by the Cyient Foundation. The top innovator walked away with a prize of Rs 5 lakh. The first and second runners-up were awarded Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, respectively. In a move specifically designed to encourage first-year students, the event also distributed five special awards of Rs 1 lakh each to standout innovators from the freshman cohort.
The third Innovation Day at IIT Hyderabad has firmly established the institute as a key node in India's innovation network. By launching RISE 2026, it has created a structured, high-stakes pathway for undergraduate talent across the country's premier engineering schools. This initiative not only spotlights tomorrow's problem-solvers but also aligns academic rigor with industry needs and national economic goals, taking a concrete step toward building an innovation-led future for India.
